Johan Goosen will spearhead the Blue Bulls attack in what is sure to be a thrilling showdown with Sharks flyhalf Siya Masuku in this afternoon’s Currie Cup semi-final at Loftus Versfeld (5pm start).
It might be a Currie Cup play-off, but Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo yesterday opted for his strongest available team that will also likely start in their United Rugby Championship campaign.
After introducing some of the URC players in last week’s 24-18 defeat to the Sharks in a wet Durban league game, Nomlomo has called on the likes of Goosen and powerful tighthead prop Wilco Louw as well to tackle an equally strong visiting outfit.
Sharks boss John Plumtree had the luxury of calling on Springbok centre André Esterhuizen this week in his return from injury, and the midfield shoot-out that will also include Francois Venter, David Kriel and Stedman Gans will be one to watch.
But it is the pivot battle between Goosen and Masuku that could decide the semi-final.
Both men are hoping to fight their way back into Bok contention, with the Bulls No 10 aiming to build on a strong effort last season, while the Sharks playmaker was called up to an alignment camp this year after impressing in their charge to the Challenge Cup title.
Masuku is able to vary his play cleverly between using his boot and getting his backline going, while Goosen is more direct and is at his best when he takes on the defence with ball-in-hand.
The absence of the injured Embrose Papier sees Keagan Johannes get a rare start at No 9, and the scrumhalf from the Cape West Coast will add real zip to the Bulls attack, and look for territory with his educated boot.
Tomorrow. We go again 😤 pic.twitter.com/UwsQuObH43
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) September 13, 2024
The Bulls have been almost unstoppable in recent months at Loftus Versfeld – bar the defeats to Munster and Glasgow in the URC – and captain Nizaam Carr spoke earlier in the week about making the most of the expected hot conditions on attack after “terrible” weather in Durban last Sunday.
In that regard, the Pretoria side will be banking on the enormous figure of No 3 Louw to dominate fellow Bok Ntuthuko Mchunu in the scrums, while hardened locks Cobus Wiese and Jannes Kirsten will aim to put Sharks youngsters Emile van Heerden and Corné Rahl under immense pressure in the lineouts.
Another thrilling duel will be between the respective loose trios. Carr will be the creative genius alongside the pacy Bulls No 8 Cameron Hanekom – who will aim to remind Bok coach Rassie Erasmus of his readiness for Test rugby following his comeback from injury last week – as well as the experienced Marcell Coetzee at openside flank.
But they will have their hands full in trying to contain the Sharks threesome of Phepsi Buthelezi, captain Vincent Tshituka and James Venter, who are also vying for higher honours.
Perhaps the bench will have the final say at Loftus, where Nomlomo has interestingly opted for a six-two split in favour of the forwards. The hulking figure of Mpilo Gumede is sure to make a difference in the final quarter, along with Sintu Manjezi, while the Sharks can call on veterans Trevor Nyakane and Lionel Cronjé to provide impetus.
Bulls Team
15 Boeta Chamberlain 14 Henry Immelman 13 Stedman Gans 12 David Kriel 11 Stravino Jacobs 10 Johan Goosen 9 Keagan Johannes 8 Cameron Hanekom 7 Nizaam Carr (captain) 6 Marcell Coetzee 5 Cobus Wiese 4 Jannes Kirsten 3 Wilco Louw 2 Akker van der Merwe 1 Dylan Smith.
Bench: 16 Joe van Zyl 17 Jacques van Rooyen 18 Francois Klopper 19 Sintu Manjezi 20 Merwe Olivier 21 Bernard van der Linde 22 Katlego Letebele 23 Mpilo Gumede.